For Bong Arjonillo, a member of the CFC International Council, the month of the rosary also carries themes of mission—because the mission starts not in our hands, but in our hearts.
“When the Gospel is in our hearts,” he shared, “our small actions of kindness, faith, and forgiveness become acts of mission. The Gospel must first dwell in us, shaping the way we see, think, and love. So that we can carry peace and not panic, mercy and not judgments, faith not and fear.” This was during the Mission Core Gathering (MCG) last October 5, 2025, at the Claret School of Quezon City. The MCG is a monthly prayer assembly for Couples for Christ’s leaders from different sectors, family ministries, and programs.
With the theme of “Beads in our Hands, Gospel in our Hearts”, this month’s MCG reminded CFCs how even as we continue our thrust to go to the farthest corners of the earth for mission, the mission must begin in our hearts: in prayer, in surrender, in hope in the Lord.
This is exemplified by the Catholic Church’s two patron saints of mission: St Francis Xavier, who by extensive traveling ang preaching to new continents, showed us that mission requires courage—and St Therese of Lisieux, who despite being too sickly to leave the convent, offered every prayer for missionaries and souls, showing us that love in the little things, families, work, in prayer is also a mission.
The mission is to go out in courage and to lift our prayers in love, and both are possible in everyday struggles. “Every cross carried with faith is part of Christ’s mission,” reminds Bong Arjonillo. “Sacrifices are part of God’s story. Even prayers whispered in weariness can change lives.”
Through heartfelt sharings during the MCG, attendees were also reminded of how the rosary can be one’s compass through life, loss, success, and love—where miracles can happen when one’s faith meets opportunity. Every mystery was a step towards surrender, where our hearts can expect blessings that our eyes cannot see. Steadfast faith allows us to suspend the order of nature, so that God can shine His light to and through us, turning every fall into a lesson in love.
During the MCG, CFC ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor) prepared a special segment to invite CFCs to this year’s ANCOP Global Walk, which will happen in different Philippine provinces and countries throughout October until December.
CFC Missio Amare (Tekton Social Development Association Inc.) also took a moment to posthumously confer the St. Thomas More Award to Mario Bihag Jr., legal counsel of TSDAI who was among the founding members of the Order of St Thomas More and Associates, one of Missio Amare’s programs. STMA, once a group of CFCs who offered pro bono legal services, is now an advocacy for socio-political renewal committed to expanding spaces of dialogue for common good. The St. Thomas Moore Award recognizes people who see practice of professions as vocations in service of God and neighbor, and Atty. Mar had given his life to the ideals of STMA as a lawyer who was not just skilled in principle, but as a brother who was compassionate, selfless, and grounded in faith.
Indeed, the monthly Mission Core Gathering is an avenue for CFC leaders to be filled with the spirit of unity and zeal, equipping each one to speak in truth and act with courage and love. May the gospel we carry come alive in our words, actions, and witness. With the intercession of Mother Mary, may our hearts be anchored in prayer; may we be moved to serve for God’s glory.